MR FORBES

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1930, Page 5

MR FORBES

VISIT TO NEW YORK

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, September 18

Hon. G. W. Forbes (New Zealand Prime Minister) and party will arrive, here to-morrow morning, and they are sailing the same clay by the Majestic for England.

AN INTERVIEW

(Received 8.50 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 19

Australian Press Association interviewed Mr Forbes and asked him for a review of the results of his Canadian trip. “Naturally the wind was taken out of our sails when on arriving in 'CanF ada we learned of the large increases in the butter duty. We hud planned to discuss with tile Caltatliali Government trade matters of mutual inter* est; arid had li plith in mind for ih= creasing the trade between the two Dominions, The increases in the but. ter duty were unexpected factors. Our discussions with the Prime Minister and Minister of Trade in Ottawa could only be brief. The Government was busy with its tariff measure and business of the House. It was, therefore, decided to continue our discussions In London.”

Mr Forbes seemed personally optimistic and declared a solution would undoubtedly be reached before the Imperial Conference adjourned. He said he realised that the Canadian and New Zealand situation was only one aspect of the entire Empire trade problem, which he was confident would be considerably advanced towards a solution by the Imperial Conference. He said there was a realisation in Canada that there were instruments of redress available against any attempt to make the trade relationship between the two Dominions too one sided.

“The Prime Minister informed us that increases in butter duty were netessary. for the encouragement and protection of the Canadian dairy farmers. I felt that we understood, however, that the balance of trade had considerably favoured Canada and that if was impossible that an equitable interchange of commodities can long continue when, the balance of trade favours one party to the serious disadvantage of .tli,e other.”

Asked concerning the film tax, l:c said film interests here had made no mi gagement to discuss the matter with him. He hoped if his London arrange* ments permitted Jhat lie would tot urn to New Zealand via the United States and would visit Washington,